Judge Steve Leifman: A Catalyst for National Reform
Retired Judge Steve Leifman is a nationally recognized leader at the
intersection of criminal justice and behavioral health reform. As the architect of the renowned “Miami Model,” he has transformed how courts and communities respond to individuals with serious mental illnesses, establishing a national framework for diversion and system redesign.
Over a distinguished judicial career spanning nearly three decades, Judge Leifman served as Associate Administrative Judge of the Miami-Dade County Court – Criminal Division and advised the Florida Supreme Court on statewide reform efforts.
Today, as Founder of The Leifman Group, he partners with state and local governments, courts, and communities across theThe United States to design and implement data-driven, cost-effective system transformations.
The Foundation of Our Impact
With over a century of combined experience, The Leifman Group brings together nationally recognized leaders in behavioral health and justice reform, policy development, and system integration —transforming how state and local governments, courts, and communities respond to behavioral health and public safety challenges.
Richard H. Schwermer
Patti Tobias
Specializes in translating research into effective, real-world implementation across
crisis response systems, screening and assessment, diversion strategies, and competency to stand
trial reform. Serves as a facilitator, national speaker, and legal and legislative advisor.
Specializes in driving systemic reform across behavioral health and justice
systems through cross-sector collaboration, policy development, and implementation of
evidence-based practices. Serves as a trusted advisor, facilitator, and national speaker, leveraging
decades of executive court leadership and lived experience to deliver practical, results-oriented
solutions.